Lend a Hand
Whether you’re skilled with a hammer or passionate about community care, there’s a place for you. Under the guidance of professional construction leads, volunteers help repair and rebuild homes impacted by disaster. But recovery goes far beyond construction. Join one of FWRD’s committees focused on unmet needs, small business recovery, communications, or spiritual and emotional care. Together, we’re not just rebuilding structures, we’re restoring hope, connection, and resilience across Transylvania County.
Volunteer Support & Rebuilding
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Volunteers power long-term recovery. Under professional construction leads, they complete critical repairs, accessibility upgrades, and rebuilds that restore safety and stability for families. Not into construction? Plug into FWRD committees: small-business recovery, communications, emotional and spiritual care, or unmet needs and disaster case management, and help build a more resilient, connected community.
Get in touch to Volunteer:
Being prepared means more than just having supplies. It’s knowing who you can count on.
Join a Committee
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Business & Economy
Chair: Tamika Hunter
This committee strengthens the bridge between disaster recovery and local economic vitality. From supporting small businesses impacted by disaster to ensuring economic resilience is part of recovery planning, the Business & Economy Committee works closely with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners to align recovery with long-term prosperity.
Communications
Chair: Mary McKeller
Clear, compassionate, and coordinated communication saves lives and builds trust. The Communications Committee works with local Emergency Response and elected officials to craft messaging that cuts through confusion—before, during, and after crisis. We’re developing systems for real-time updates, storytelling that centers community voices, and tools that make information accessible to everyone across the county.
Construction & Volunteers
Chair: Meg Lebeck
When the dust settles, rebuilding begins. The Construction & Volunteers Committee coordinates the labor and logistics needed to help neighbors repair and return home. We mobilize skilled and unskilled volunteers, partner with housing nonprofits, and ensure work is done safely, ethically, and equitably—especially for low-income households.
Finance & Legal
Co-Chairs: Madeline Offen | Josh Nelson
Transparent, responsible stewardship of funds is essential to our credibility and sustainability. This committee oversees budget planning, financial reporting, grant compliance, and legal matters—laying the fiscal foundation for the group’s current and future work. Legal guidance also helps ensure survivors receive fair and informed support.
Fundraising
Chair: Angie Hunter
The Fundraising Committee is charged with resourcing the mission—building a diversified portfolio of grants, donor campaigns, and partnerships. We work closely with other committees to identify funding needs, coordinate grant writing, and tell our story to potential supporters who care about long-term recovery and resilience.
Spiritual & Emotional Needs / Diversity & Inclusion
Chair: Sarah Hankey
Recovery is about more than rebuilding homes—it’s about healing hearts. This committee ensures that the emotional and spiritual needs of survivors are not overlooked. We foster belonging, offer trauma-informed support, and uplift historically excluded voices. Our work centers dignity, diversity, and the deep belief that healing happens in community.
Unmet Needs / Disaster Case Management
Chair: Bryan O’Neill
Sometimes, people fall through the cracks. This committee identifies and supports individuals and families with unmet needs—those who may not qualify for traditional aid but still need help getting back on their feet. We coordinate with local agencies, manage referrals, and advocate for survivors to ensure no one is left behind.
Donate
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Make a strategic investment in restoring and replacing survivor homes. Gifts of every size help us rebuild Transylvania stronger!
Our Impact
We serve as the backbone of long-term recovery in Transylvania County, connecting survivors with trusted local partners to ensure that every household receives coordinated, compassionate, and community-rooted support.
40+
partner organizations providing services and support
8
active committees and 80+ volunteers coordinating care
125
survivor and community member stories collected for Helene: One Year of Healing event